Manual for Teachers

29. AS FOR THE REST...

1 This manual is
not intended to answer all questions that both teacher and pupil may
raise. In fact, it covers only a few of the more obvious ones, in
terms of a brief summary of some of the major concepts in the text
and workbook. It is not a substitute for either, but merely a
supplement. While it is called a manual for teachers, it must be
remembered that only time divides teacher and pupil, so that the
difference is temporary by definition. In some cases, it may be
helpful for the pupil to read the manual first. Others might do
better to begin with the workbook. Still others may need to start at
the more abstract level of the text.

2 Which is for
which? Who would profit more from prayers alone? Who needs but a
smile, being as yet unready for more? No one should attempt to answer
these questions alone. Surely no teacher of God has come this far
without realizing that. The curriculum is highly individualised, and
all aspects are under the Holy Spirit's particular care and
guidance. Ask and He will answer. The responsibility is His, and He
alone is fit to assume it. To do so is His function. To refer the
questions to Him is yours. Would you want to be responsible for
decisions about which you understand so little. Be glad you have a
Teacher Who cannot make a mistake. His answers are always right.
Would you say that of yours?

3 There is
another advantage,-and a very important one,-in referring decisions
to the Holy Spirit with increasing frequency. Perhaps you have not
thought of this aspect, but its centrality is obvious. To follow the
Holy Spirit's guidance is to let yourself be absolved of guilt.
It is the essence of the Atonement. It is the core of the curriculum.
The imagined usurping of functions not your own is the basis of fear.
The whole world you see reflects the illusion that you have done so,
making fear inevitable. To return the function to the One to Whom it
belongs is thus the escape from fear. And it is this that lets the
memory of love return to you. Do not, then, think that following the
Holy Spirit's guidance is necessary merely because of your own
inadequacies. It is the way out of hell for you.

4 Here again is
the paradox often referred to in the course. To say, "Of myself
I can do nothing" is to gain all power. And yet it is but a
seeming paradox. As God created you, you have all power. The
image you made of yourself has none. The Holy Spirit knows the truth
about you. The image you made does not. Yet, despite its obvious and
complete ignorance, this image assumes it knows all things because
you have given that belief to it. Such is your teaching, and teaching
of the world that was made to uphold it. But the Teacher Who knows
the truth has not forgotten it. His decisions bring benefit to all,
being wholly devoid of attack. And therefore incapable of arousing
guilt.

5 Who assumes a
power that he does not possess is deceiving himself. Yet to accept
the power given him by God is but to acknowledge his Creator and
accept His gifts. And His gifts have no limit. To ask the Holy Spirit
to decide for you is simply to accept your true inheritance. Does
this mean that you cannot say anything without consulting Him? No,
indeed! That would hardly be practical, and it is the practical with
which this course is most concerned. If you have made it a habit to
ask for help when and where you can, you can be confident that wisdom
will be given you when you need it. Prepare for this each morning,
remember God when you can throughout the day, ask the Holy
Spirit's help when it is feasible to do so, and thank Him for His
guidance at night. And your confidence will be well founded
indeed.

6 Never forget
that the Holy Spirit does not depend on your words. He understands
the requests of your heart, and answers them. Does this mean that,
while attack remains attractive to you, He will respond with evil?
Hardly! For God has given Him the power to translate your prayers of
the heart into His language. He understands that an attack is a call
for help. And He responds with help accordingly. God would be cruel
if He let your words replace His Own. A loving father does not let
his child harm himself, or choose his own destruction. He may ask for
injury, but his father will protect him still. And how much more than
this does your Father love His Son?

7 Remember you
are His completion and His Love. Remember your weakness is His
strength. But do not read this hastily or wrongly. If His strength is
in you, what you perceive as your weakness is but illusion. And He
has given you the means to prove it so. Ask all things of His
Teacher, and all things are given you. Not in the future but
immediately; now. God does not wait, for waiting implies time and He
is timeless. Forget your foolish images, your sense of frailty and
your fear of harm, your dreams of danger and selected
"wrongs." God knows but His Son, and as he was created so
he is. In confidence I place you in His hands, and I give thanks for
you that this is so.

And now in all your doings be you blessed.
God turns to you for help to save the world.
Teacher of God, His thanks He offers you,
And all the world stands silent in the grace
You bring from Him. You are the Son He loves,
And it is given you to be the means
Through which His Voice is heard around the world,
To close all things of time; to end the sight
Of all things visible; and to undo
All things that change. Through you is ushered in
A world unseen, unheard, yet truly there.
Holy are you, and in your light the world
Reflects your holiness, for you are not
Alone and friendless. I give thanks for you,
And join your efforts on behalf of God,
Knowing they are on my behalf as well,
And for all those who walk to God with me.